Israel's ambassador to Greece, Pninat Yanai, hosted children from special needs organization DYAMEA and low-income family support group "Oli Emeis Mazi" at her residence this week, marking Sukkot, the Jewish harvest festival that celebrates hospitality.
By Vassilis Poulos
In an interview with iefimerida, Mrs. Yanai said she has been struck by the warmth of her reception in Greece since arriving.
"I knew people in Greece were very kind, but I didn't know how much," she said, describing Greeks as similar to Israelis and calling her posting "a very beautiful period" for her personally. She said her core mission is building lasting ties between the two countries, particularly for the next generation, describing Israel and Greece as neighbors, friends and now allies.
Mrs. Yanai pointed to security, energy, tourism and people-to-people ties as the strongest areas for bilateral cooperation, noting that Greece has become a top vacation destination for Israelis drawn to the country's food, culture and people — connections she said naturally translate into stronger business relationships.
Asked about the issues likely to dominate Israel's October elections — the first since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, and widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership — Mrs. Yanai declined to weigh in.
"I don't want to get into politics, because I'm a diplomat, even though I was appointed to my position by the minister," she said. "But I believe it will be a democratic election, and let's see what the people decide."